šļøĀ Colorado skiing fans are in for an unexpected treat this Thanksgiving season. The state’s fastest daughter, Mikaela Shiffrin, will be trading her usual international travel for a chance to sleep in her own bed as she headlines the inaugural Stifel Copper Cup at Copper Mountain. Set to run from November 27 to 30, the event marks Copper Mountain’s return to hosting top-flight alpine ski racing for the first time since 2001.
āļø An Unexpected Twist of the Schedule
The opportunity for Copper Mountain arose after a scheduling conflict forced a last-minute change to the womenās FIS Ski World Cup circuit. The circuitās traditional North American stop in Killington, Vermont, had to be canceled due to the resort undertaking necessary lift replacements. Copper Mountain quickly and eagerly stepped up to fill the void, securing a prestigious new event on the World Cup calendar.
This shift means Vail native Mikaela Shiffrin, arguably the most decorated alpine skier in history, gets to compete on home snow. Shiffrin’s presence guarantees massive excitement and local support as she aims to build on her already staggering career record.
šŗšø Hometown Heroes Hit the Slopes
Joining Shiffrin as a major local draw is fellow Colorado star, River Radamus. While Shiffrin will command the women’s events, Radamus represents the state’s best hope in the men’s competitions. His participation solidifies the event’s status as a true showcase of homegrown talent, providing a massive boost to the profile of American skiing.
The Stifel Copper Cup will not only give local fans a rare chance to see their heroes in action on familiar slopes but also provides a crucial opportunity for the American team to compete without the added pressures of international travel and time zone adjustments. For Copper Mountain, it’s a chance to cement its place as a premier destination for world-class alpine racing. This Thanksgiving, the focus shifts from turkey dinners to downhill thrills right here in Colorado.